British Shorthair
UK · 1800sCalm, plush teddy bear that’s fine on its own
British Shorthairs are sturdy, round-faced cats with a dense, plush coat — the classic is blue-grey with copper eyes. They are easygoing and affectionate in a reserved way.
At a glance
Life with a British Shorthair
Most like to sit near you rather than on you, and many dislike being picked up and carried. They are quiet, tidy and content while you’re at work. Adults are not very playful, so short daily play keeps them fit.
- People who work full-time
- Calm homes and apartments
- First-time cat owners
- You want a cat to cuddle and carry around
- You want a very playful, athletic cat
- Portion control is hard in your home — they gain weight easily
- Brush once a week, daily in spring when the dense undercoat sheds.
- Measure food — weight gain is the most common problem.
- Use play to keep them moving: wand toys, food puzzles.
Health
Generally sturdy. HCM and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) occur in the breed. Many are blood type B, which matters for breeding and transfusions.
- PKD DNA test for both parents
- Heart scan (echocardiogram) of the parents
- Parents’ blood type
Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.
See British Shorthair kittensSimilar breeds
Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.